For anyone interested in programming, Python is a programming language that they must have heard about. But what exactly Python programming is all about? If that’s the same question oscillating in your mind, you need to read this article till the end.
Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language that is also one of the most popular programming languages across the globe. If we consider the Tiobe Index of most popular programming languages, it is currently (May 2022) ranked at the top of the table.
While the multi-paradigm, general purpose programming language appeared for the first time in 1991, it was unable to gain much traction till a decade ago.
Today, as our focus has shifted more to futuristic technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, along with fields like data science and scientific computing, the use of this programming language has become more practical.
Python follows multiple programming paradigms, including object-oriented programming, functional programming, and procedural programming. The most striking feature of the programming language is that its syntax is easy to learn and understand.
Whether you are planning to learn Python as your first programming language or add it to your existing skill set, you need to know some more interesting things about it. Also, you need not worry as we will provide you with all the crucial information about this programming language.
So, let’s not waste any time and get started!
History of Python
Guido Van Rossum is the person behind the creation of the Python programming language. He started working on the development of Python in the late 1980s as a successor to another programming language named ABC programming language.
In 1991, the first-ever version of the programming language, i.e. 0.9.0 was released. The next major version, i.e. Python 2.0, was released in 2000 and loaded with several new features, including cycle-detecting garbage collection, list comprehensions, and support for Unicode.
Python 3.0, which is currently the latest major version, was made available to users in 2008. This version introduced some significant changes to the programming language’s overall capabilities, and this is one of the reasons why it is partially backward-compatible with the older versions.
Key Features of Python Programming Language
Open-Source and Free to Use
Python is available under an open-source license and thus, it is completely free to use. Also, you are not only authorized to use it for personal usage but for commercial usage too. Being free, you can use this programming language without the need to pay anything.
Thanks to being free-to-use and suitable for AI and data science, there are dozens of great utilities available as commercial and free Python projects. Consequently, it results into a huge global community.
Follows Object-Oriented Paradigm
In general, the object-oriented programming paradigm makes it possible for developers to break the code into small modules, and develop reusable code.
As Python follows object-oriented programming (OOPs) concepts, such as polymorphism, data abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance, and classes, it becomes possible to develop complex applications while ensuring the maintainability of the source code.
High-Level Language
One of the main reasons for Python’s extended popularity is that it is a high-level language. A high-level language is more understandable to users. In other words, a high-level programming language is quite easy to read, write, and maintain that is unlike mid-level programming languages like C and low-level programming languages like machine code and assembly code.
Simple Syntax
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, Python is a high-level language and its syntax is pretty much similar to the English language. In fact, it is one of the best reasons to use the multi-paradigm, general-purpose programming language. Thus, it is quite easy to learn the syntax of this programming language and use it to write programs.
Interpreted
As Python is an interpreted language, it makes use of an interpreter to convert the Python code into machine-level language. The main advantage here is that interpreter proceeds with the conversion process by converting a single line of code at a time. As a result, it can find the error(s) present in each line of code.
Platform-independent
Being independent of the platform, it becomes possible for developers to run the same Python program across different platforms. In other terms, if you create a Pythonic program on one particular platform, say macOS, then it will run the same way across other platforms, like Linux and Windows.
Extensive Standard Library
The standard library offered by Python comes loaded with a variety of modules and packages that makes it quite easy for developers to import several functionalities without the need to look for third-party libraries.
However, if there are functionalities that are not available in the standard library, there is the option to download and install third-party packages and modules with pip.
Huge Community
The community around the popular programming language for data science is pretty huge and is expanding every single day. Whether it’s the suggestions for the betterment of the programming language itself or if someone needs help with their Python program, there are community members that are readily available to provide suggestions and help.
Real-World Applications
Python is a suitable programming language for the following:
- Web development
- Data science
- Artificial intelligence, deep learning and machine learning
- Game development
- Development of enterprise-level applications and desktop applications
Latest Python Version
The latest version available to download is 3.10.4, which was released in March 2022.
How to Download Python in Your System?
To download the programming language on your system, be it Windows, macOS, or Linux, you simply need to visit the official Downloads page of Python. There, you will be able to see the latest version of the programming language available for download.
While the web page will automatically suggest the suitable installation file for your operating system, you can download the installation file for other operating systems as well.
Takeaway
Python is a highly popular programming language, all thanks to its easy syntax and a wide variety of applications. Also, the demand for Python developers in the market is on the rise. Thus, learning this programming language can be a great idea as it can bring a lot of opportunities for you as a programmer.
Hi! I am Pankaj, a full-time content specialist and a part-time programmer and marketer. I love to explore new places and also new ideas. I am an inquisitive person with a passion to learn new skills through every possible opportunity that comes in the way.